Leadership Profiles

James F. Knott

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

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Mr. Knott, the Chairman, CEO and Founder, formed the James F. Knott Realty Group in 1977. Starting with a career in the masonry business, he eventually turned to residential development with the start of the Realty Group. James quickly broadened the scope of the company to include commercial development. Over its history, the firm has developed and constructed millions of square feet of real estate, including commercial, industrial, office, retail and residential projects. James plays an active and advisory role in the daily operations of the company, especially in new project development. He is an active member of the Baltimore community, having served on the Board of Trustees for Franklin Square Hospital, The Boy Scouts of America, Associated Catholic Charities, College of Notre Dame, Bon Secours Hospital and the Roland Park Country School.

James F. Knott, Jr.

President

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Mr. Knott serves as President of Knott Realty Group. He is responsible for all facets of the company, including financing, development, construction, leasing and property management. James has developed and constructed approximately two million square feet of office and industrial product for Knott Realty Group. Residentially, he has rezoned and developed over 750 home sites. James also works directly on building and land transactions, land development, budget management, and building construction - both inside and outside the State of Maryland. James holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Boston College. In the past he was seated on the board of the Knott Foundation and served as Vice President of the Greater Ruxton Area Foundation. Currently, James is Past President of NAIOP MD, an advisory board member of the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, serves as a Commissioner on the Baltimore County Economic Development Commission and is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization.

(443) 689-8000

Ralph G. Lightner

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer

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Mr. Lightner is responsible for leading and managing the daily operations of Knott Realty and its 50 employees, including James F. Knott Property Management, Knott Homes, James F. Knott Construction, and the portfolio of commercial and residential real estate holdings. In addition, Ralph is responsible for all accounting, finance and tax planning for the Knott Realty family of companies. He also oversees the management of information technology. Ralph has over 18 years of experience in the field of public accounting and 16 years of experience as a CFO in the private sector. In addition to being a CPA (inactive), he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Frostburg State University, is a member of the AICPA and MACPA, and has obtained the Accreditation in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations. Ralph is married with two children and resides in Parkton, Maryland.

Taylor J. Fields

Vice President of Leasing

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Mr. Fields is responsible for the leasing and marketing of Knott’s 4.2 million square foot portfolio. He oversees lease negotiations, broker and tenant relations, tenant retention, and the company’s marketing efforts. With over 14 years in the real estate industry, Taylor has developed the skills that allow him to effectively navigate the deal process from start to finish. Taylor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from DeSales University. He is an active board member of NAIOP MD. In 2012, Taylor was one of 12 real estate professionals in the country to be selected as a Developing Leaders Award winner which honors rising commercial real estate professionals, 35 years of age and under, for their valued contribution and commitment to the industry. In 2017 Taylor was selected to the Baltimore Busness Journal's 40 Under 40 List.

Michael A. Brodsky

Vice President of Property Management

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Mr. Brodsky is responsible for the property management and operations for Knott’s 4.2 million square foot portfolio. He oversees the management staff to provide high quality services to our tenants in the office, commercial, industrial and residential properties owned in Maryland and Florida, and he oversees the financial performance of the portfolio. Michael has over 25 years of property management experience with office, flex, industrial and retail assets, working with owner/management companies as well as in a third-party property management role. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Virginia, and he is an active volunteer with therapeutic horseback riding for persons with special needs.

John K. Burch, Jr.

Vice President of Construction

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Mr. Burch is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Knott’s construction division. John has been actively involved in the construction and real estate industries for over 30 years. He has extensive experience managing large projects, including design-build projects. John has significant expertise in pre-construction services relating to MEP disciplines and is a hands-on manager who maintains close involvement in all projects throughout the construction phase. John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Baltimore.